Collar or Harness Training

It is important to note that while some cats can easily be trained to wearing a collar or harness, other cats may not be comfortable wearing a collar or harness, and will not get accustomed to them. It is therefore important introduce your cat a collar or harness before starting the training process. When introducing the to monitor the behaviour of your cat(s) when first introducing it to a collar or harness.

To ensure the safety of your cat throughout the study, a cat quick release collar is required while your cat wears the activity monitor. These collars have a clasp that pops open easily when force is applied (see left figure below).

It is important to monitor the behaviour of your cat(s) closely when first introducing it to a collar or harness.

Please do not start the training process if:

• You struggle putting a collar or harness on the cat because the cat is fighting it.

• The cat gets the lower jaw stuck behind the collar or harness because it is trying to get it off.

• The cat freezes (i.e., stops moving) for a period longer than 15 minutes with the collar or harness on.

• The cat shows signs of stress, such as panting or drooling, when the collar or harness is on.

• The cat gets a rash from wearing a collar or harness.

• The cat continuously licks or scratches the collar or harness.

Below you can find a video that shows how you can get a harness on a cat. If you want to use food to get your cat used to wearing a collar or harness, make sure you use cat food and to use part of its daily ration.

If your cat does not show any of the behaviours mentioned above, you can start to get your get used to wearing a collar or harness. It is important that you get your cat used to a collar or harness gradually. Below you can find a training schedule that will get your cat used to wearing a collar or harness over a month.